Pool & Spa News articles from November 2005

Pool & Spa News archives from November 2005

Cryptosporidium outbreak sparks class action suit.(MAKING NEWS)
November 14, 2005... In response to a cryptosporidium outbreak at a New York sprayground that infected nearly 4,000 people this summer, a class action lawsuit has been filed against the state agency responsible for overseeing the facility. An estimated 3,200...

Victory Plastics bows out of vinyl market.((MAKING NEWS))
November 14, 2005... Victory Plastics International, a manufacturer of vinyl sheeting used in pool liners, closed its doors in August due to rising raw materials costs, energy rates and increasing credit problems, according to industry sources. "[Vinyl...

Window treatment.(REFLECTIONS)
November 14, 2005... A few years ago, one of the windows in my apartment needed to be repaired. I contacted the landlord, he called a local hardware store, and they sent a man over to fix the broken sash. The guy seemed friendly and I had some free time, so we...

Making their case: faced with massive red tape, the industry's only hope for continued growth may be by reaching out to the government.(MAKING NEWS)
November 14, 2005... Joe Murphy has two members of his staff who spend their entire day traveling from one town hall to another in an effort to obtain pool building permits. Murphy, general manager of Pools by Murphy & Sons, a Pool & Spa News Top Builder in...

Moscow to hold pool expo.
November 14, 2005... The 6th Annual Pool Salon Moscow is scheduled for Jan. 31 to Feb. 3 at the Expocentr "Krasnaya Presnya" in Moscow. Russia's international swimming pool trade fair also will have an conference of international proportions for the first time,...

FSPA selects new director.(MAKING NEWS)
November 14, 2005... The Florida Swimming Pool Association has concluded its search for a new executive director to replace John Schwartz, who is stepping down later next month. FSPA, an APSP affiliate, has selected Nicholas Pasyanos, 42, to take over the...

Small-business owners remain cheerful.(MAKING NEWS)
November 14, 2005... Despite this year s intense hurricane season, small-business owners remain upbeat, expecting continued solid economic growth. The Small Business Optimism Index barely budged from its August reading of 100.9, slipping to 100 in September. "The...

PPG to raise fiberglass prices.
November 14, 2005... On Nov. 1, PPG Industries will raise prices 6 cents per pound on all fiberglass shipments in North and South America. Victoria Holt, senior vice president, glass and fiberglass, attributed the increase to skyrocketing energy prices. Holt also...

Pool crash.
November 14, 2005... A woman was injured in early October when her car crashed into the side of Mr. Pool Inc. in Lakeland, Fla. Local resident Mary Read first hit an abandoned van in a parking lot, and then after driving on a raised median, she rammed into the pool...

Roofs stay on housing market despite hurricanes.(MAKING NEWS)
November 14, 2005... New-home construction continued at a vigorous pace, rebounding after hurricanes whipped through the Gulf area. Housing starts grew 3.4 percent in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 2.1 million units--10.3 percent above September...

Chemical leak causes problems.
November 14, 2005... A leak at a pool chemical plant in Kearny, N.J., closed a highway and had officials worried about health risks in late September. Elaine Makatura, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection told The New York Times...

Free water clarity book.
November 14, 2005... SeaKlear, a brand of Vanson HaloSource Inc., is offering a free reference book on water clarity. The 72-page how-to book, written by Terry Arko, is set up in a "problem-solution" format to help pool dealers solve various water clarity problems....

FPSIE to open a permanent: tech school.(MAKING NEWS)
November 14, 2005... The Foundation for Pool & Spa Industry Education is less than a month away from closing escrow on a building that industry officials hope will be the first in a series of nationwide technical schools. FPSIE is an independent organization...

BioGuard Dealer Mart focuses on education.(MAKING NEWS)
November 14, 2005... More than 1,000 retailers attended the Sixth Annual BioGuard Dealer Mart, where new educational tracks and increased consumer marketing were the emphasis. Held Oct. 11-14 at the Cobb Galleria Center in Atlanta, the Dealer Mart featured 75...

SCP opens NASDAQ, reports earnings.
November 14, 2005... SCP Pool Corp. celebrated the 10th anniversary of its listing on NASDAQ stock market on Oct. 17. Manuel J. Perez de la Mesa, company president/CEO, marked the occasion by ringing the market's opening bell on Oct. 20. In its 10 years on NASDAQ,...

Pentair shifts management.
November 14, 2005... To accelerate its global growth initiatives, Pentair Inc. announced a management realignment strategy effective in October. International operations now are the sole responsibility of Vice Chairman Richard J. Catchcart. North American...

Consumer confidence hits new low.(MAKING NEWS)
November 14, 2005... Consumer confidence has dropped to its lowest level in two years, thanks to hurricanes, surging gas prices and fear of a weakening labor market. The Conference Board stated that its Consumer Confidence Index fell to a reading of 85.0 in...

Pool and spa industry stock market performance.(MAKING NEWS)
November 14, 2005... Pool and Spa Industry Stock Market Performance Quotations are for October 25, 2005 Vol. NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE Symbol (100s) A.O....

O'Toole retires, Jones named A.O. Smith CEO.
November 14, 2005... A.O. Smith Corp. announced that Robert J. O'Toole has decided to retire as chairman/ CEO of the company that man manufactures motors and water-heating equipment. His successor will be Paul W. Jones. O'Toole will remain on the board following...

Calvi and Raya join AstralPool.
November 14, 2005... Paolo Calvi has taken over the general management of Astral Italia, while Francesc Raya has been named manager of Astral Middle East. Previously, Calvi has worked in several multinational companies in management positions. Raya was formerly...

Bullfrog International appoints Brimley.
November 14, 2005... Salt Lake City-based spa manufacturer Bullfrog International, LC, has appointed Chris Brimley director of international business. Brimley will work closely with SCS industries (dba Signature Spas) to grow the Bullfrog line in Australia and...

Citti, Mitchell, and Amos join Pentair sales force.
November 14, 2005... Pentair Water Pool and Spa has made the following staff additions: Rose Citti as South Florida retail specialist; Mike Mitchell, territory sales manager covering southwest Florida; and Heicli Amos, territory sales manager for Texas and...

Starting over: Hurricane Katrina couldn't keep service technician Alexander Thomas down for long.(PEOPLE)
November 14, 2005... Pool service technician Alexander Thomas was born and raised in New Orleans. The son of a pool company owner, 42-year-old Thomas had his own pool-service company and things were going just as he had dreamed. Then a hurricane named Katrina...

True colors: with clean lines and vibrant accents, this aquascape brings whimsy to the 21st century.(DESIGN CORNER)
November 14, 2005... The organizers of a Street of Dreams custom home tour in central Florida were a little nervous. Of the six properties being showcased, one was a bit different. Tucked into a neighborhood of traditional Mediterranean-type homes, this property...

Meter reader: new technology has improved pool-water testing accuracy, which can help service techs increase profits. Here's how.(TECHNICALLY SPEAKING)
November 14, 2005... For years, service technicians have tried to figure out more ways to decrease the amount of money they spend maintaining pools on their routes. While the past 10 years have offered major breakthroughs in efficiency, the actual dollars spent...

Making a splash.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 14, 2005... Poolmaster presents the Splash Zone Sub Float, a part of the Home Waterpark series; water sprays from perimeter spouts while the interior is half-submerged; center hole for swim-in, swim-out action; made of vinyl with bright colors; attaches to...

Seating for eight.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 14, 2005... The GL8 is Great Lakes Hot Tub line's newest and largest model; eight seats and 67 jets; seating has been redesigned for ergonomic, form-fitting posture, per maker; fountain jets and Aquarail produce flowing streams above the waterline; the...

Big Yellow Vac.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 14, 2005... G/G Industries presents its new 13.0-amp Mighty-Vac known as the "Big Yellow Box"; dual function feature is designed to provide the highest vacuum ratio for installing vinyl liners; extreme pressure side will winterize any pool up to 10 feet...

Analyze this.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 14, 2005... Arch Chemicals' Water Products presents the new Pinpointr 2005 water-analysis system; combines water testing with computerized water analysis; software includes a flexible contact management database that enables dealers to store and track...

Results in the palm of your hand.(NEW PRODUCTS)
November 14, 2005... LaMotte Co. announces the new PC-4A Handheld Pool Colorimeter, which measures four primary pool test factors: free chlorine, total chlorine, pH and alkalinity; features economical liquid reagents for 144 tests; designed to eliminate the need to...

Computerized pond purchases.(New Products)
November 14, 2005... International Pond Supply has launched a new wholesale Web site at www.pondsource.com; online business-to-business portal offers advanced shopping features; retailers can browse a full online interactive inventory; customers also can track what...

Programmed control.(New Products)
November 14, 2005... Acu-Trol releases its new AKColor, a system for treatment of combined chloramines: measures level of chloramines and shocks as needed; uses commonly available chlorine or nonchlorine and allows for off-site control through Internet or modem;...

Jarring new look.(New Products)
November 14, 2005... AquaChek has changed the packaging on its AquaTrend Phosphate Test from a box to a jar; the plastic jar is designed to better protect the powder pillows and vials against moisture and damage from everyday use; kit for professionals includes 50...

Bills, bills, bills.(New Products)
November 14, 2005... Software Outfitters has announced the release of PoolSync billing software system for the pool and spa industry; provides a networked platform for billing, property profiling, and work order invoicing; features include automated credit card...

Spring into action.(New Products)
November 14, 2005... Plastimayd Corp. has announced that all of its safety covers now will come with commercial grade springs--both residential and commercial covers; custom mesh and solid safety covers are available, as well as Utra-Mayd Mesh, a new cover that...

Catch the wave.(New Products)
November 14, 2005... Intermatic's I-Wave wireless pool and spa control utilizes Z-wave technology to create a network capable of controlling any pool or spa function; designed to be easy to install and use; large panels with room for wiring; available in metal Nema...

Entry level: experts reveal 15 secrets for building the ideal beach entry.
November 14, 2005... Ron Gibbons has been building beach-entry pools for about two decades. "We did the beach entries before anybody even knew what they were," says the president of Pools by Ron Gibbons in Islip Terrace, N.Y. "We were winging it." A lot...

Pool man confessions: lonely housewives and delinquent pool techs might be hidden threats to your service business.
November 14, 2005... Billy Carpenter will never forget the summer of 2001. It was a scorcher in Los Angeles, where bronzed beauties seem to grow on palm trees. Coconut oil was in the air, and swim season was in full swing. Carpenter, an exotic dancer turned service...

Soaking up profits: an exclusive survey by Pool & Spa News tells us that hot tub revenues are up, and sheds light on how the retailers do business.(SURVEY: Portable Spas)
November 14, 2005... Consumers have become a lot more savvy about portable spas. The Internet has gone a long way toward contributing to this phenomenon. In fact, more consumers actively seek spas now than ever before. "People are more educated," says Scott...

Northern exposure: for new ideas and business contacts, head to Toronto for the 2005 Canadian Pool & Spa Conference & Expo.
November 14, 2005... Bolstered by attendance figures from the record-setting 2004 show, the Canadian Pool & Spa Conference & Expo returns to the Toronto Congress Centre Dec. 6-8, 2005. "We had more than 2,000 attendees last year," says Julie Monkhouse, show...

Fragrant customs.(Spa Accessories)
November 14, 2005... by Adrienne Faith & Co. Features: products are 100 percent safe for the spa or bath, per maker; available in 12 fragrances Contact: Adrienne Faith & Co., Grants Pass, Ore. (888) 955-0808 Circle 470 on Postage-Free Card ...

Mosquito magnet biting insect traps.(Spa Accessories)
November 14, 2005... by American Biophysics Corp. Features: can be placed around the spa to kill mosquitoes, no-see-'ems, black flies, midges and sand flies; cordless, silent, odorless and covers 1 acre, per maker Contact: American Biophysics Corp., North...

AG 48 spa lift.(Spa Accessories)
November 14, 2005... by Aquatic Access Features: water-powered lift is engineered to provide easy access to aboveground spas and hot tubs; self-turning feature is available Contact: Aquatic Access Inc., Louisville, Ky. (800) 325-5438 Circle 464 on...

Max Air spa blowers.(Spa Accessories)
November 14, 2005... by Air Supply of the Future Features: products are designed for quiet operation with new high performance motor; available in I-, h5 and 2hp models Contact: Air Supply of the Future Inc., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (800) 848-3077 ...

Polar Bear spa motors.(Spa Accessories)
November 14, 2005... by A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co. Features: company has a line of motors designed for spas; includes patent-pending electronic silent switch located at top of motor along with capacitor for better ventilation; Class F insulation; suited...

'being' candles, fragrances and body mist.(Spa Accessories)
November 14, 2005... by Arch Water Products Features: spa aromatherapy line includes candles and fragrances that can be poured directly into the bath or spa; products are available in five blends and feature personal care additives, including vitamins and...

Spa receiver and CD player.(Spa Accessories)
November 14, 2005... by Allied Innovations Features: company's receiver and CD player are designed and built for the portable spa market; Aeware's In.Tune Control is fully waterproof and works for upgrades and also existing installations, per maker ...

Three-way pool and spa test strips.(Spa Accessories)
November 14, 2005... by AquaChek Features: strips are designed to quickly and accurately measure levels of monopersulfate, pH and total alkalinity in pools and spas; packaged in a 50-count bottle, on a blister card with an insert offering directions ...

SpaMonitor.(Spa Accessories)
November 14, 2005... by Balboa Instruments Features: designed to enable user to turn on lights, listen for alerts, monitor freezing conditions, or raise the water temperature on a spa, all from inside the house Contact: Balboa Instruments, Tustin, Calif....

Spa-handling system.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by BCI Mfg. Features: the Complete SpaDolly System includes SpaDolly trailer, the SpaKart, the SpaJack, two ratchet straps and the Hand Winch Accessory; offers increased safety when moving and transporting spas, per maker Contact: BCI...

Safety spa cover, lights, blowers.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Be-Lite Features: company's aluminum spa covers come in seven colors and two different trims that are designed to be weatherproof and animal-proof: covers, lights and blowers carry the UL classified mark, per maker, and come with up to...

Spa essentials test strips.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by BioLab Features: test strips are designed to provide quick and accurate results; product measures chlorine or bromine, pH, alkalinity and total hardness; includes desiccant liner to protect strips from moisture; 50 strips per bottle, 12...

Sure step.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Byron Originals Features: steps are designed to be maintenance-free; assembly in less than a minute with no tools required, per maker; available in six colors to match cabinets of major spa brands Contact: Byron Originals Inc., Ida...

Cal flex equipment.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Cal Spas Features: equipment is designed to turn any spa 8 feet or larger into a hydro-gym; package comes with an exercise arm bar set, including rowing machine, exercise belt and several tensions for a variety of workout intensities...

Vinyl products.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Caldere Spas Features: company recently released the Pavilions Collection, a line of 100 percent virgin vinyl spa accessories; line includes three gazebos, spa sides/privacy panels, spa steps and coordinating planter boxes; San Miguel...

Spa accessories.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by California Design Group Features: line of maintenance-free spa accessories includes storage steps, side bars, benches, garden furniture and planters in a wide range of colors to complement spa manufacturer's products Contact:...

Garden Prairie spa enclosures.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by CCSI International Features: company offers year-round spa enclosures that allow natural breezes and ventilation while protecting users from inclement weather, per maker; enclosures feature opening or fixed roofs and sliding glass...

Leisure accents spa steps.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Confer Plastics Features: spa steps are made of all resin construction; snap together; available in two sizes and four colors Contact: Confer Plastics Inc., North Tonawanda, N.Y. (800) 635 3213 Circle 452 on Postage-Free Card...

Aroma therapy injectors.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Custom Molded Products Features: system includes an injector body and various injector body is available in a tee or ell design for various plumbing configurations; includes molded basket to hold scent cartridge; threaded cap is...

SpaBoss funscents.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Capo Industries Ltd. Features: company offers a line of 12 fragrances designed to soothe and moisturize the skin; nonstaining, alcohol-free and will not affect pH levels or clog filters, per manufacturer; the four new available scents...

Spa cover removal systems.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by CEnTech Corp. Features: patented design removes cover without lifting; can adjust to various spa/cover sizes and weights Contact: CEnTech Corp., Belgrade, Mont. (406) 388 5788 Circle 453 on Postage-Free Card [ILLUSTRATION...

Spa cover.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Cover Valet Features: Cover Valet frames are zinc-plated and powder-coated for long life; stainless steel hardware; engineered for quick and easy installation Contact: Cover Valet, Long Beach, Calif. (800) 730-7727 Circle 451...

Thermal covers and lifters.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Custom Spa Covers Features: company offers thermal spa covers and spa cover lifters; 11 colors and four grades of cover, including the Ultra Cover with fiberglass reinforced foam; free-form and multiple piece covers; four types of cover...

Air blowers.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by El Nino Air Systems Features: air blowers for replacement and OEM segment of spa market; designed to be compact and quiet; filtered airflow Offerings: two-year warranty Contact: El Nino Air Systems, Anaheim, Calif. (714)...

Insulating covers.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Extreme Spa Covers Features: choice of 6- or 4-inch tapered foam hot tub and spa covers; insulation value up to R-22, 6-rail polyethylene vapor barrier; nylon webbing reinforced handles; tie-down hinges; steel-reinforced; continuous...

Spa cover lift.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by E-Z Lifter Features: the E-Z Lifter is made of anodized aluminum; stainless steel hardware; designed to fit any spa up to 96 inches wide; X-large version available for spas taller than 36 inches; universal mounting kit is available for...

Spa pad.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by EZ Pads Features: prefabricated, two-segment spa pad for placing under self-contained spas and hot tubs; designed to provide a solid, 3-inch thick foundation; made of an all-weather polymer for various climate conditions; available in...

Wall display, dealer merchandising program.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Essentials Features: program is for All Seasons and Woodland lines of steps and accessories; each wall display is 8 feet wide by 6 feet high and includes all products shown, grid work and professional signage: display ships via UPS...

Covers.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Florida Spa Covers & Vinyl Specialties Features: 1- and 2-pound, lightweight, walk-on and custom covers; virgin foam cores; UV- and mildew-protected marine vinyl, per maker Offerings: fast turnaround on orders: volume discounts:...

Spa fragrances.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by GLB Pool and Spa Features: Rendezvous fragrances are safe for all spa finishes, per maker; four available scents: Tahitian Moonlight, St. Moritz Sunrise, Aegean Twilight and Mediterranean Breeze; 8-ounce bottles and l-ounce sample...

Spa aromatherapy fragrances.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by inSPAration Features: 52 spa fragrances offered are within three product lines; new 4 ounce tri-pack and blister pack with 12 fragrance selections, Hydro Therapies, Wellness line, Spa Pearls spa and bath crystals, and AIRomatherapy...

Replacement parts catalog.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Horizon Spa & Pool Parts Features: catalog features an array of replacement spa parts and accessories from various manufacturers; pool parts catalog also is available Contact: Horizon Spa & Pool Parts Inc., Tucson, Ariz. (800)...

Color splash.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by J&J Electronics Features: multicolor, LED inground pool and spa lights have nine color modes; Edison base for easy installation; multiple lights synchronize; designed to be energy-efficient Offerings: five year warranty ...

Cover removal system.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Hot Spring Spas Features: Watkins Manufacturing offers a variety of spa cover removal systems for its Hot Spring spa brand; each system is different for a specific spa environment and consumer needs; CoverCradle, CoverCradle II,...

Cover caddy.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Jacuzzi Hot Tubs Features: can be used on spas with table or bar surrounds; gas shock caddy attaches to the side of Jacuzzi Hot Tubs and is designed to raise easily; folds and slides into support braces Contact: Jacuzzi Hot Tubs,...

Spa fragrances.
November 14, 2005... by Leisure Time Features: EsScents fragrances feature 12 varieties in three families: aromatherapy, floral and tropical; non-oily formula; fragrances are nonfoaming, won't affect water balance and are safe for all equipment surfaces, per...

Colored spa towels.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by McArthur Towel and Sports Features: spa towels are 16 by 28, all terry; available in white, navy, English rose, peach, hunter green, brown, royal blue, black, silver, burgundy, teal green, charcoal and purple; sold in packs of 144 ...

Spa pillows.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Mantec Services Features: constructed of quality materials; suction cup or permanent attachment systems; variety of colors and styles Offerings: one year warranty; customized services Contact: Mantec Services Inc., Seattle (206)...

Spa robe/garment warmer.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Moonga Features: warms robes, towels and clothing to 170 degrees; portable; operates on A/C current or 12V power source Contact: Moonga, LLC, El Dorado Hills, Calif. (800) 924-0604 Circle 433 on Postage-Free Card ...

SpaBoutique.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Marquis Spas Features: company's in-house accessory program, SpaBoutique, offers spa accessories; includes SpaCare, SpaTherapy and SpaStyle; contains items such as bathrobes, flip-flops, remote controls, chemicals and filters ...

Spa purge.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Natural Chemistry Features: product is designed to restore spa plumbing to its original condition by attacking the buildup of organic waste contamination in the spa, circulation system and filter Contact: Natural Chemistry, Norwalk,...

PoolStar 2500.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by O'Ryan Industries Features: self-contained, durable plastic dry niche 12V lighting fixture is for inground applications; 200 feet of illumination is produced by a starburst 72S LED bulb; each light has programmed color cycles with nine...

Briteline 'Little Sucker'.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Poolmaster Features: spa vacuum is made to clean leaves and dirt from spas and small ponds; single venturi jet provides effective cleaning power, per manufacturer; includes all purpose reusable vacuum bag Offerings: catalogs ...

EcoOne spa-treatment system.(Spa Accessories Marketplace)
November 14, 2005... by Pacific Sands Features: monthly treatment is designed to solve most spa water problems and reduce maintenance work; stabilizes pH/alkalinity, eliminates scum lines, itching and rashes; made to help ease dry skin by reducing overall...